As this past year wound down, I found myself scrambling to fit a few final adventures into 2022. We had been sitting at 12 state park visits for a while (I still haven’t written about number 12, which was Pocahontas State Park, but will do so soon), so I decided it was time to squeezeContinue reading “Seven Bends State Park and Woodstock”
Tag Archives: Hiking
Kiptopeke State Park
I am the type of person who likes to stay on top of projects and tasks because I get anxious when I get too far behind. Apparently, I am also the type of person who writes about a summer beach trip the week before Halloween. To be fair, we moved this summer, and moving withContinue reading “Kiptopeke State Park”
Wolf Trap (And Our First TRACK Trails Hike!)
I had big plans for this weekend. For the first time, National Kids to Parks Day was on my radar before it happened, and I was going to take my girls on a day trip to a state park that we had not yet visited. I had selected a park that was celebrating this funContinue reading “Wolf Trap (And Our First TRACK Trails Hike!)”
Douthat State Park
When we first set our goal to visit all of Virginia’s state parks, I don’t think I quite realized how big this state really is. The 41 parks are spread out all over the place. It takes 8-9 hours to get from the state’s westernmost park to its easternmost park, and those two parks areContinue reading “Douthat State Park”
(Blue)Bell of the Ball
I love cherry trees just as much as the next Northern Virginian. Their pink and white blossoms are certainly synonymous with spring in this part of the state. Yet cherry blossoms are just one of many floral hints that winter has finally come to an end. If you happen to glance down instead of up,Continue reading “(Blue)Bell of the Ball”
Shenandoah River State Park and Front Royal
I’m sure I’ve written something similar before, but I’ll say it again: one of the things that I enjoy most about Northern Virginia is that we have easy access to all of the amenities of a major city, while at the same time living a short drive away from beautiful rural landscapes. With that inContinue reading “Shenandoah River State Park and Front Royal”
Twin Lakes State Park
Following our trip to High Bridge Trail State Park, we knew we wanted to continue exploring the local parks, especially in a slightly more shaded or cooler area. For that reason, off we headed to Twin Lakes State Park in nearby Green Bay, VA. As its name suggests, this 548-acre park boasts two different lakes.Continue reading “Twin Lakes State Park”
Northern Virginia’s Regional Parks
I consider myself tremendously lucky to live in an area that is so accessible to lush, gorgeous parkland. Northern Virginia is home to national park sites, state parks, and county parks that lend themselves beautifully to family-friendly hiking and exploration. Yet there is another category of park that should not be overlooked: Northern Virginia RegionalContinue reading “Northern Virginia’s Regional Parks”
Trail Quest
When I started writing this blog, the first post I shared on social media was this one about the 4th grade National Parks pass. My college friend Heather, who also lives in Virginia, commented that I should look into the Trail Quest challenge. I was intrigued, so I decided to check it out. Trail QuestContinue reading “Trail Quest”
Mason Neck State Park
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe 2020 is finally over. In spite of the unprecedented circumstances, I’m proud of our little family for getting outdoors as much as possible and finding magical new places to socially distance. As a matter of fact, we are currently on a two-night getaway, which was my Christmas giftContinue reading “Mason Neck State Park”
Old Dominion for Young Virginians 